Forum Discussion
Wifi not working after deleting capability access manager db
We deleted the CapabilityAccessManager db-wal file in Safe Mode, as recommended by other forums. After that, the system could not detect any Wi-Fi networks. We attempted multiple fixes, including uninstalling the NIC and drivers, running the Windows troubleshooter, and resetting the network adapter.
We also saw that the Settings app would crash when navigating to Settings > System > Power, though it was unclear if this was related.
To resolve the issue, we used Settings > System > Recovery > Fix problems using Windows Update. After installing the repair version of 25H2, both Wi-Fi and the Settings app were functioning normally again.
Hello everyone:
I did the same procedure (you might be referring to a post in learn.microsoft.com on this subject
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/5815087/capabilityaccessmanager-is-devouring-my-hard-drive
My experience suggested me that in order for the process to restart and rebuild the files, the permissions and ownership that step 4 of the post redefined with ICACLS
icacls "C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\CapabilityAccessManager" /grant administrators:F /t
had to be restored to their previous status, which I accomplished by resetting the permisions to default
icacls "C:\Path\To\Folder" /reset /T /C
Once I accomplished this, I opened the services with Win+R and typed "services.msc", made sure that the CapabilityAccessManager service was up and running (or made sure to start it by right clicking on it and starting).
ONLY IF the service started successfully I would restart the computer normally and complete the solution.
If you see in services.msc that CapabilityAccessManager is down and won't start, and you performed a file delete procedure such as the one in the link, it's very possible that by restoring the original permissions to the folder you'll get the service back and you'll see your wi-fi networks after a reset.
I was troubleshooting a similar issue where the CapabilityAccessManager (camsvc) was failing to initialize. I had previously manually altered the directory ownership to force-delete some bloated files and reclaim C drive space. I didn't realize at the time that stripping those default Access Control Lists (ACLs) would completely break the service and cascade into a total loss of Wi-Fi functionality.
The root cause was exactly what you pointed out broken permissions on that specific ProgramData directory. Because the service account lacked the necessary rights to access or rebuild its database, it simply hung on startup.
Running your
icacls "C:\Path\To\Folder" /reset /T /C
command immediately pushed the inherited permissions back down the directory tree. Once the DACLs were restored, the service started up perfectly via services.msc, and my network adapters initialized without a hitch. Thanks for documenting this.
You saved me from a completely unnecessary OS reinstall.This is the real solution for this problem! Thank you! You bring life to my pc again... i'm so gratefull because of this solution. Many days without wifi, only using USB to connect to my phone until y found your suggestions.
I deleted a file that make my disc C runt out of space, i follow some steps that found on internet and after that CapabilityAccessManager service related does not start again. I asked to Claude and suggest to ask for a experienced computer technician. :(
The real problem was the permissions on folders that have been modified to delete the problematic file, after follow your steps, everything run normally... service start again and my pc is working awesome.
Thanks for sharing!
Hello! I'm having the same problem. The Internet guided me to delete the .db-wal file and I successfully did it. Now can you please give me step by step instructions to complete getting my wifi back? I don't understand how to do the icacls you have listed. Can you help?
I have the same problem and deleted the entire folder and now have no internet connection. How can I download from windows update if I cannot connect to the internet to do so?
If you don't have an ethernet connection, you'll need to repair Windows using the Media Creation Tool
bro u are a life saver.. i too deleted capability access manager db wal file n my laptop couldn't detect any wifi networks after that.. i tried every solution.. im currently installing windows 25H2 as i type this.., My gut says this solution will definitely work.. so thanks a lot in advance ❤️
